Video capture in VB

**deadweasel** · 12-12-2003, 03:58 AM

Okay guys, the ActiveX control I was using to provide easy access to the webcam has expired on me, and a license is too much for me to think about buying it outright. ($99 my eye!)

Anyhow, would anyone here be aware of any OTHER ways to capture live video from a webcam in VB without a buttload of coding the VideoForWindows interface? Another freeware ActiveX control perhaps?

I had set out to be able to record the video, since the control I was using supported it, but when I think about it, it's not all that important to have. I just want to get something setup for rearview.

I was hoping that the control would just nag me until I registered, but no. It stops working altogether after 30 days. It has halted my development in the video module, as everytime I so much as open the form window to tweak graphics etc, the control sends a popup to demand registration again. I press cancel, the thing errors out, and denies me access to the video form development window. Suckie, ne?

**frodobaggins** · 12-12-2003, 01:25 PM

I haven't read al the way through on this but it might help.

http://www.shrinkwrapvb.com/videocap.htm

**owenjh** · 12-12-2003, 02:45 PM

Maybe your webcam has an OCX you can use?

or you could use this program that has already been made - works with my cam and would be easy to mod
http://www.Planet-Source-Code.com/vb...28493&lngWId=1

or the last thing I can think of is to have netmeeting open, hide the window then connect to yourself via a program you write and grab the image thru the connection - long process and will be buggy, will also use alot of CPU cycles

**deadweasel** · 12-12-2003, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by frodobaggins

I haven't read al the way through on this but it might help.

http://www.shrinkwrapvb.com/videocap.htm

Dude, if you can fully understand everything that is posted on that page, I kneel humbly before you. This is making my eyes glaze over, and my brain bleed in protest. I pride myself on knowing a good deal about Windows, but you have made me dive deeper into this than is advisable without some sort of protection.

With some study, I think I can get the gist of this, and at the same time, I will have a better understanding of which OS would be best to run this thing under. I had my heart set on 98, but with each link you send my way, you are making me reconsider simply ignoring a longer boot time in exchange for more universal flexibility...

OMG...

*slumps lifeless on desk while brain stages coup de' etat*

**frodobaggins** · 12-13-2003, 01:15 AM

Originally Posted by deadweasel

Dude, if you can fully understand everything that is posted on that page, I kneel humbly before you. This is making my eyes glaze over, and my brain bleed in protest. I pride myself on knowing a good deal about Windows, but you have made me dive deeper into this than is advisable without some sort of protection.

With some study, I think I can get the gist of this, and at the same time, I will have a better understanding of which OS would be best to run this thing under. I had my heart set on 98, but with each link you send my way, you are making me reconsider simply ignoring a longer boot time in exchange for more universal flexibility...

OMG...

*slumps lifeless on desk while brain stages coup de' etat*

There is an ocx and some pre-made projects on there.

**deadweasel** · 12-14-2003, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by frodobaggins

There is an ocx and some pre-made projects on there.

Got that, and another biggy thanks to you! This damned thing will run SASAMI's TV card too!

I was just noticing that this stuff is going to take some major study to better understand just what in the hell is going on in there... Three beers should be just about enough to provide clarity!

**Seraph** · 12-14-2003, 02:22 AM

If you use a premade project, can you still distribute it as a part of your software? Just in case, you might want to read how they did it and follow directions. That way you can make it your code so that they can not make noise at a later date.

**deadweasel** · 12-14-2003, 02:35 AM

Originally Posted by Seraph

If you use a premade project, can you still distribute it as a part of your software? Just in case, you might want to read how they did it and follow directions. That way you can make it your code so that they can not make noise at a later date.

I'm taking some ideas from those projects, but there is a freeware ocx that does just what I need it to do. It's stated as freeware, so I don't imagine there's an issue with distributing it, as long as credit is given. I will probably need to contact the author in the event that I want to make a buck or two off the higher-end modules though...

**frodobaggins** · 12-14-2003, 03:07 AM

Originally Posted by deadweasel

Got that, and another biggy thanks to you! This damned thing will run SASAMI's TV card too!

I was just noticing that this stuff is going to take some major study to better understand just what in the hell is going on in there... Three beers should be just about enough to provide clarity!

No problem man, I like to help.
It's how I blow off steam.

Frodo